UAlbany's Dave Kubiak Selected by Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball Draft

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany's Dave Kubiak became the seventh player in the baseball program's history to be chosen in the Major League Baseball Draft when the Tampa Bay Rays took him in the 36th round on Wednesday, June 8. Kubiak, a senior pitcher, was the 1,109th player selected in the 2011 MLB Draft.

Kubiak, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound right hander, was the Great Danes' ace pitcher, starting 14 games on the mound this season. He recorded a 4.72 ERA as a senior, and led the UAlbany pitching staff with 73 strikeouts, which tied for fourth on the single-season chart. He threw five complete games, including one shutout, and allowed just 43 earned runs in 82 innings of work. Kubiak finished his four-year career as the UAlbany program leader with 227 strikeouts and 278 innings pitched. His 82 innings this season was good for second on the single-season record board.

"We are very excited for Dave and his family as he takes on his next challenge," said UAlbany head coach Jon Mueller. "We wish him the best of luck in the future."

Kubiak, a native of Southold, N.Y., becomes the first UAlbany player chosen in the MLB Draft since first baseman Mike Konstanty in 2008. Konstanty was drafted in the 39th round by the Cincinnati Reds, following Tom Hill, who was picked by the Kansas City Royals in the 34th round of 2007's draft. Terry Kenny was the first Great Dane to be drafted in 1974, when San Francisco selected him in the ninth round. In the Division I era, Steve Checksfield (Houston, 10th round) was drafted in 2001, Mike Grasso (Atlanta, 11th round) was picked in 2002 and Adam Kroft (San Diego, 30th round was chosen in 2004.

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UAlbany Baseball in the MLB Draft (Division I era)

2001 - Steve Checksfield, Houston, 10th round

2002 - Mike Grasso, Atlanta, 11th round

2004 - Adam Kroft, San Diego, 30th round

2007 - Tom Hill, Kansas City, 34th round

2008 - Mike Konstanty, Cincinnati, 39th round

2011 - Dave Kubiak, Tampa Bay, 36th round